Microfluidic Valve Structure for Angled Channels and Low Dead Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic valves face challenges in controlling liquid flow across channels with varying intersection angles and have significant dead volumes, which can contaminate samples and affect measurement accuracy, particularly in applications like PCR analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic valve design featuring an elastomeric membrane clamped between a basic substrate and a top substrate, with a central recess and projection arrangement that allows for angular connection channels, reducing dead volume and enabling flow control irrespective of channel angles, using a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microfluidic valves are used to control liquid flow, then flow control is achieved, but the dead volume is significant causing contamination and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar valve design to a three-dimensional structure by positioning the valve body at an angle relative to the channel plane. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the dead volume while maintaining flow control capability through the angled connection channels that directly link upstream and downstream channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the valve body, connection channels, and upstream/downstream channels. This segmentation allows for optimized fluid pathways that minimize stagnant regions and reduce dead volume while preserving reliable flow control.
2Area of stationary object
If microfluidic valves are arranged on the same side as channels to be connected, then spatial optimization is achieved, but different geometric arrangements are needed for different intersection angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal valve design where the angled valve body can accommodate connection channels at various intersection angles. The standardized valve structure with adjustable connection channels serves multiple functions across different channel configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized valve geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection channels are designed with angular flexibility, allowing the valve to adapt to different channel intersection angles while maintaining the same valve body geometry. This dynamic adaptability enables a single valve design to function effectively across various spatial configurations.
3Measurement precision
If dead volume is reduced to prevent contamination, then measurement accuracy improves, but valve design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving from a two-dimensional planar valve to a three-dimensional angled structure, the patent achieves reduced dead volume without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity. The angular configuration allows for more efficient fluid pathways that minimize stagnant regions while using standard fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary stagnant fluid regions from the valve design by optimizing the connection channel geometry and positioning. This removal of dead volume regions improves measurement accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure suitable for conventional manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient liquid flow control across microfluidic channels with different intersection angles, minimizing dead volume and contamination, while simplifying the production process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric membrane (12) with a thickness dEM = d in relaxed state... the elastomeric membrane is configured to not be in contact with the surface of the central recess (112) in open valve state... and to be deformable by the valve actuator means (2) so that in closed valve state the elastomeric membrane closes the fluidic connection
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip and valve, production process and uses thereof according to the independent claims.